Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary

Creatures of Wellfleet Harbor, Late June Edition

On Monday, June 22 we conducted a Marine Life Cruise for an enthusiastic group of school children. On the cruise we were happy to see some exciting and unique things. Here’s how it went.

As we pull away from the dock the weather is slightly overcast,the water is calm and the air is thick with excitement. We arrive to the first trolling area and the Scallop Drag is let out. This net scours the bottom for invertebrates and fish just outside of Wellfleet Harbor. We circle around buoy 13 for about five minutes until the net is hoisted in and the catch is sorted. Inside we find everything from sand shrimp to rock crabs. There was even a hermit crab without its shell. This little crab seemed far less brave without a sturdy structure on its back for protection.Inside we also found a pipefish, which looks similar the marine form of a walking stick without legs, at least to me. It is very similar to a Seahorse in its child rearing techniques and just as interesting. We also pulled up several Spider Crabs, which have an ancient aura about them due to the thick, brown, soft skin like covering on their shells. As we study these treasures we move on to the next trolling location.

The Otter Trawl, a net that drags along the bottom of the harbor, is dragged for about 20 minutes.The closer the net comes to the edge of the boat, the more the anticipation grows. As the net comes over the side of the boat, interest peaks and we can see that the net is chock full of ocean critters. After sorting everything in the nets we discover some of the better hidden gems. Closer investigation reveals a Little Skate and Winter Flounder; both draw immediate curiosity. In the basins these two creatures of the deep are easily seen and investigated.  Crabs are sorted from the seaweeds until a Long-finned Squid is uncovered. Its chromatophores, cells that are able to change the color of the squids skin, are illuminated red as it obsessively shoots water from its siphon in attempts to exit the holding basin. The squid suddenly in a state of panic inks and disappears in the murky black water inside the holding bucket. This display is a fascinating insight into the workings of this majestic creature.
  
Such discoveries are found on these cruises often, and no matter what is found something is learned by all. Experiences such as this are rare and memorable, each unique and beautiful. 

Matt Darcy

Ed. Note: We'll be reporting on Marine Life Cruises all summer. The sanctuary offers Marine Life Cruises multiple times each week during the season. See our program guide (check Families) for dates and other offerings.